Please follow the guidelines below and contact us with any questions.
- No eating for 1 hour following your treatment. This is to allow the temporary filling sufficient time to harden.
- If you were given any prescriptions, please have them filled promptly and take as directed. If no prescriptions were given, you may choose to take ibuprofen medications such as Motrin or Advil (as long as you do not have any allergies to these medications) for alleviation of discomfort. Alternatively, you may use Tylenol. Do not exceed the guidelines printed on the label for any medication. If you are unable to achieve adequate pain control, please call our office.
- Avoid chewing or biting any hard foods on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration or crown is placed. Avoid chewing on hard substances such as nuts, pretzels, hard candy, ice cubes, etc.
- Please schedule a follow up appointment with a restorative dentist within a month to have a permanent crown or filling placed. Please contact your dentist to make an appointment at your earliest convenience. Waiting longer than a month increases the chances that the temporary will fracture or that decay will develop in the affected area.
- It is rare for a temporary filling to fall out although it may sink down over time. If the temporary falls out, please contact your general dentist as soon as possible. If your temporary falls out after office hours, you may purchase some temporary filling material from a pharmacy and follow the included instructions to cover the area until you can be seen in our office.
- Some discomfort and tenderness are normal for a few days to a week following root canal therapy as everything heals. Some mild soreness in your jaw may occur from keeping your mouth open for an extended period during the procedure. In some cases, the tooth and surrounding tissue may be sore for a few weeks following treatment. Pain level will vary depending on many factors such as the existing condition of the tooth, extent of the infection, and nature of the procedure.
- Please keep the treated area clean by gently brushing and flossing regularly. Follow any other instructions provided by our office during your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed.
- If you have severe pain or swelling, please contact us as you may be experiencing a ‘flare-up.’ While flare-ups are rare, they occur in about 5% of cases and may cause significant pain, and usually occur in teeth with severe infection. You may be prescribed additional medication such as antibiotics or a steroid, and/or you may be asked to come to the office for further evaluation.